Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

In retrospect (which is what today is all about), 2012 was an excellent year that ended really badly. I have a lovely family, fabulous clients and voluntary projects on the go, good friends and a home that is heading towards gorgeous. Without the car crash of 7 November, this would probably have gone down as one of my best ever years. However, as my glass is always half-full, the accident has taught me some important life lessons about what I value. But I wish I didn't ache all over. And I cannot WAIT until I can stop taking tablets every four hours just to attempt to function as a nearly-normal human being. Ever determined to battle through, I am having a little snooze before briefly welcoming in 2013 with friends at a local pub.

A girl plays in a skip in Honduras. Probably, someone could take a photo in every country of the world showing a child similarly lacking in fortune. Doing the right thing is hard sometimes, but - from time to time - we can ALL help someone lacking in basic human rights.

Well, I managed to complete it up to the point I have to actually include numbers. Because that's where the hard work begins. There are a number of things which haven't happened in November or December because of the accident. Completing my novel is one and getting my accounts up to date is the other. I'm sure there are more, but I can't remember what they are. So, clearly not that important. Will the tax man give me a break because I wrote-off my car and nearly myself? Unlikely. Will my publisher issue the paltry wordcount I have managed so far on the fictional side? Ditto. The accounts have to be completed before 31 January and it probably actually won't take that long. Then the novel can be attacked with a vengeance.

I've just written this blog . However, I'm planning to make 2013 count by giving it a bit of focus. This year managed to get a bit out of control. Literally, on 7 November, when I crashed my car and could have checked out permanently. Since then, I've definitely been able to do a lot less while recovering and it's given me a lot of time for thought. So, I don't really need to lose weight, but will start going to the gym again when my back allows. I can't give up smoking and don't drink heavily enough for that to be a resolution. There's a very nice man hovering on the edges of my life who might just provide all I need in terms of romance, so no dating websites for me. Oh, and my finances don't really need much attention, although a lottery win would always help! So, a bit of focus is on the cards for 2013. I love the things I do and I just want to do them better.

I was facing most of Christmas Day alone until I remembered the homeless lunch at Christchurch, close to me. Off I went and spent a very pleasant few hours with other people, some of whom have had a much tougher life than I. Then I realised that this had been posted today: Crisis helped by Royal Mail .

I love writing stories like this .

My new car. It cost exactly the same as I was given by my insurance company for the written-off Corsa. Older but fewer miles on the clock and a bigger engine. Many people warned me off the rip-off of insurance companies and urged me to be combative with them in agreeing a payout, but my experience is actually pretty good. Although I'm really not feeling like driving, it's good to have the option again.

The train ride was bearable and the lunch gorgeous. Company? Absolutely lovely. I am extraordinarily fortunate to work with people who know how to have fun.

After months of refurbishment and chaos for travellers, there are signs of improvement, as the 1960s-built monstrosity of a frontage is finally removed to reveal the original Victorian entrance. It will be just beautiful and I can't wait. For now, progress only visible from the top deck of a bus.

Just gorgeous singing and songwriting. Tom Odell has been longlisted for the BBC Sound of 2013 . Well-deserved.

The temperature is definitely dropping and this was called for after managing my first swim since the accident. Shattered now, but enjoying this.

Saw a film tonight all about silver linings. It was actually a lovely film and I realised that sometimes - just sometimes - the silver lining is right under your nose. Just saying.